Dana White: Some Brazilians Have Turned on Anderson Silva

There’s no denying that Brazilians are some of the most passionate fans in the MMA world. However, it appears they may also be some of the most fickle.

Former UFC middleweight king Anderson Silva (pictured) surpassed Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira several years ago as Brazil’s most beloved fighter. Owning the UFC record for the most successful title defenses with 10 certainly warrants that moniker.

As recently as last October, Brazilians gave Silva the rock star treatment during the UFC 153 media workouts by bombarding him with handshakes and hugs, then chasing after his shuttle bus as if Justin Bieber was inside.

Well, it seems like several Brazilians quickly hopped off “The Spider’s” bandwagon after his upset loss to Chris Weidman at UFC 162. It appears the Brazilians aren’t too fond of the whole showboating and then losing thing.

“I was kind of feeling for [Anderson Silva] coming into Brazil, he was getting a lot of criticism coming here,” UFC president Dana White revealed during Sunday’s media gathering in Sao Paulo. “This is his country. He’s been f****** fighting for this country forever. He goes out and he loses one fight, the way that it went down, and like everybody turns on you.

“In one fight? After all the things he’s done and all the things he’s accomplished?”

Interestingly, it’s not like July’s scrap was the first time Silva has clowned his opponent during a fight. In fact, it was in front of his Brazilian brethren in his prior outing when he willingly stood with his back against the fence, put his hands down and dared Stephan Bonnar to punch him in the face.

Sure, it’s all fun and games when Silva then unleashes a pinpoint knee to the chest and uncorks a vicious beatdown to win. But, don’t you dare taunt and lose…

“I’m sure it’s tough to deal with, but he’s handled it like a champ,” White said of Silva. “You don’t ever see Anderson Silva snap or flip out on people. I do, daily, but you don’t see him do it. He always composes himself like a champion and a good dude.”

Apparently, Silva will not only be looking to reclaim his throne at UFC 168, but also the Brazilian fans that turned on him after getting put to sleep by Weidman.